How Can Black Friday Shoppers Drive More Safely?

Since many shoppers view Black Friday as the kickoff to the holiday shopping season, millions of drivers will soon be heading-out to their local stores to compete with fellow bargain hunters. But with all those frenzied shoppers driving around at the same time, you’ve got the perfect recipe for traffic delays and fender benders. Toss in some nasty weather, and already stressed-out drivers can get pushed to the breaking point. If you’re going to be driving around on Black Friday, make road safety a priority by using these tips. 

Plan Your Route in Advance

Even if you’re an old hand when it comes to Black Friday shopping, it’s still a good idea to plan your day’s route in advance. Use the sales ads the night before to compile a list of targeted stores based on these shopping objectives:

• Which items you want the most
• Which retailer opens the earliest
• Which stores you plan to visit

When planning your shopping route, try to avoid making several trips back and forth across town. Taking a more precise shopping approach should help make your day a safer and more productive one.    

Use a Navigation App

Most drivers use GPS navigation apps when traveling on vacation, so why not on Black Friday? Navigation apps like Google Maps can help you avoid traffic congestion by alerting you about recent accidents and other road delays. If you’ve not sure where a given store on your shopping list is located, a good navigation app will provide you with turn-by-turn directions so you can get there more quickly and safely.

Avoid Driving Distractions

The National Safety Council (www.nsc.org) warns that shoppers and pedestrians get even more distracted on Black Friday. That increases the potential for distracted driving accidents, so please drive carefully by taking these precautions:

• Never text or talk on your cellphone while driving unless you have a hands-free device.
• Turn the music down.
• Obey all posted speed limits, especially in construction zones and parking lots.
• Be aware of pedestrians when backing out of parking spaces.
• Keep your eyes on the road at-all-times.
• Safely secure small children and pets in the back seat.

Don’t Drive While Impaired

It’s tempting to take the edge off Black Friday shopping by having a couple cocktails in between stores. Don’t drink and drive. Instead, have a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service. Also avoid operating a motor vehicle when under the influence of drugs that could slow down your reaction time, including prescription medications and over the counter cold remedies.

Use Good Parking Lot Etiquette  

Speeding through a crowded parking lot to beat that other driver to an open spot isn’t smart with all the distracted pedestrians walking around, especially small children. Good parking lot etiquette will keep all shoppers safer, so try to:

• Park far away. The farther you park away from a store or mall, the fewer cars that you’ll have to contend with. Walking a little farther is not only healthier, it may leave you with a quicker and easier route when it’s time to leave.

• Back out slowly. Use your mirrors and back-up camera when backing out of a space, but don’t rely on them completely. Back out very slowly and carefully while constantly scanning side-to-side for pedestrians and other vehicles.

• Respect others. The world isn’t going to end just because you couldn’t get a spot next to the store’s entrance. Don’t drive fast in parking lots, stay in your lane, allow enough space for other drivers to open their doors, and only park in designated spots.

Promptly Find Black Friday Accident Repairs Here  

Even when driving carefully on Black Friday, fender benders happen. When your ride’s been dinged up, promptly take it to one of the auto body or glass repair shops featured in the nationwide Carwise referral network. All collision repair shops listed on Carwise are I-CAR and ASE-certified, which means they have the reliable services, state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained technicians necessary to promptly restore your vehicle like new again.

Search your zip code now for a customer-reviewed auto body or glass repair shop nearby: www.carwise.com.